UBC faculty of medicine professor Dr. Marco Marra has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to genomics and cancer research.
Considered one of the country’s highest honours, the Order of Canada recognizes individuals who have enriched the lives of others and made extraordinary contributions to Canadian society.
Dr. Marra, a professor in UBC’s department of medical genetics and Michael Smith Laboratories, is recognized for propelling Canada to the forefront of genome research. A world-renowned scientist, he led large-scale initiatives and groundbreaking work in sequencing the SARS coronavirus genome, and highlighted the underlying causes of cancers and new treatment strategies. Formerly the director of Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, he continues the global fight against cancer.
“Receiving the news, I was quite overcome with emotion,” Dr. Marra said. “To be recognized by my country is the honour of a lifetime. I am extremely fortunate to have many wonderful colleagues and supporters who have enriched my science over the years, and we all recognize that together we have moved our field forward in ways we could never have imagined. Even so, there remains much to do!”
Dr. Marra’s work focuses on studying genomic data to reveal information about diseases, with a particular focus on revealing mutations, biomarkers and therapeutic targets for various types of cancer. This work includes a program focused on whole genome and transcriptome analysis towards personalizing cancer genome medicine. This program, which Dr. Marra has co-led for over 12 years, opens doors to more effective treatments that target the specific cancer cells within a patient’s tumour.
Dr. Marra holds a BSc and PhD from Simon Fraser University and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in St. Louis where he led work on the Human Genome Project. He was recruited back to Vancouver by UBC Nobel-prize-winning professor Dr. Michael Smith, where he went on to co-found and direct Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer for over two decades, co-found and co-direct UBC’s Genome Sciences and Technology Graduate Program, and serve as a founding member of the UBC Bioinformatics program.
Formerly head of the department of medical genetics, and current Terry Fox Leader in Cancer Genome Science, Dr. Marra has long remained a leader in genomics research, education and training.
“Members of the Order of Canada are builders of hope for a better future. Each in their own way, they broaden the realm of possibilities and inspire others to continue pushing its boundaries,” said Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada. “Thank you for your perseverance, fearless leadership and visionary spirit, and welcome to the Order of Canada.”
The latest Order of Canada appointments were announced Dec. 18 by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada. Dr. Marra is among four UBC community members being inducted.
Parts of this story were adapted from a Michael Smith Laboratories article.